Microdistillery OK'd for Wisconsin Avenue

A new microdistillery has been given the OK to open on Wisconsin Avenue.

Whitefish Handcrafted Spirits is planing to operate in the former LaChance Builders location at 204 Wisconsin. City Council July 6 approved a conditional use permit for the business.

Plans for the Wisconsin location include a tasting room with a limited menu of appetizers prepared on site.

Under State Liquor Board requirements, the hours of operation and number of ounces served to each customer is limited. Hours of operation will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

“We are a microdistillery,” said owner Danette Sefcak. “We’re specifically for the community to enjoy.”

The property is zoned WB-1, which conditionally permits microbreweries. Planning Director Dave Taylor said the city has determined that a microdistillery is similar enough to a microbrewery that they come under the same permit process.

The main entrance will on the west side of the building with 25 parking spaces. Planning staff recommended the placement of a sign to alert drivers of the bike and pedestrian path along Wisconsin.

Council chose to add a condition that any outside storage needs to be enclosed or screened from view.